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Commercial roofing is necessary for property owners who need a better roof to protect their property proactively and mitigate related risks. Interestingly, there are numerous designs available for commercial property owners to consider.
Reviewing the 7 types of commercial roofing and their main pros and cons help the business owner choose the best option for their property.
The Pros & Cons of Commercial Roofing
① Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingle roofing is a more affordable choice for business owners and won’t present higher-than-average maintenance costs. The installation lasts around 17 years and provides an adequate barrier of protection. It is effective and won’t become damaged easily. The materials come in a variety of colors to match the property owner’s preferences and coordinate well with the property design. The installations take roughly two days to complete and won’t present major delays for the property owner.
The cons of asphalt shingle roofing start with sudden damage due to extreme heat in the summer. Higher-than-average heat levels cause the shingles to crack and break easily. The installations aren’t a great choice for cities that have harsh summer temperatures. Asphalt isn’t environmentally sound and includes some petroleum-based ingredients. The property owner cannot easily send the asphalt to a recycling center. Commercial property owners who want to learn more about asphalt roofing can get help at parsonsroofing.com now.
② Green Roofing Designs
Green roofing designs are created from all-natural materials that are recyclable and energy-efficient. The installations force heat away from the property and prevent it from becoming too hot during the summer. It presents natural insulation that helps control energy consumption and lower utility costs. More advantages include keeping the attic at a more comfortable temperature, noise reduction, and the obvious environmental benefits of the installations.
The major cons of a green roofing design start with the cost and the effort requires to install it. Using a green roof requires the property owner to constantly mitigate the risk of pests and insects damaging their roofing system. This creates vulnerabilities that lead to property damage. The installations require steady watering to keep the plant-based roofing thriving.
③ Metal Roofing Designs
Metal roofing designs can last up to 50 years if they are maintained properly. The increased life gives the property owner more of a return on their investment. The roofing is lightweight when compared to different roofing designs, such as concrete. Since it is lightweight, the roofing won’t take a long time to install. The installation takes about two days to complete since the roofing is constructed of panels. It is also a fire-resistant material that protects the property and prevents the fire from spreading. The design can also deflect heat during the summer and improve energy efficiency.
The cost of the roofing starts around $150 per 100 square feet. Metal roofing doesn’t eliminate sound, and rain can be heard hitting the roofing. For some property owners, this element of metal roofing isn’t pleasant. The metal can become dented in a hailstorm depending on how fast the stones hit the roofing. If the metal roofing isn’t maintained properly, corrosion can happen and cause leaks.
④ Thermoset EPDM Membrane Roofing
Thermoset EPDM membrane roofing has a projected life of around 60 years. Property owners have a choice between three types of insulation for the roofing, including polyisocyanurate, expanded polystyrene, and extruded polystyrene. It offers reflective and retentive properties that allow the roofing to reflect heat away from the property during the summer and retain heat during the winter. It is also an extremely easy installation for commercial property owners. It is also flexible and lightweight, making it easier for the roofers to maintain it in the future.
The major advantages start with the fact that the membrane could be punctured easily. The seams must be maintained more often to prevent leaks inside the property. Ultraviolet sun rays can cause the adhesives inside the roofing material to break apart and create vulnerabilities.
⑤ Built-Up Roofing Membrane
The built-up roofing membrane allows easy repairs and less-costly maintenance for the property owner. The roofers won’t have to reinforce the roof structure, and the designs aren’t prone to leaks and sudden damage. The installations are energy-efficient and control costs in the winter and summer. The installation won’t present any surface damage, and the property owner won’t have to worry about their roof’s sheathing.
The first disadvantage is the increase in costs if the property has additional roofing penetrations such as chimneys. It makes it challenging to install the roofing and increases the risk of leaks if the materials don’t seal properly around the chimney. The membranes are easier to puncture if tree branches fall onto the roof. It’s necessary to monitor the seams proactively to prevent leaks that cause property damage.
⑥ Thermoplastic PVC Roofing
Thermoplastic PVC roofing is a more cost-effective choice for commercial property owners. The average cost of the installation is around $7,000. The property owner gets more flexibility with the designs, too. They have more of a variety of colors to choose from and can get heat-reflective choices that lower energy consumption and related costs. The property owner won’t have to worry about mold, mildew, or moss growing on the roofing. The installation is resistant to environmental issues and protects the property more effectively.
The roofing selection is durable, but it is prone to cracking due to excessive heat. Property owners must review the roofs closely since some of the products aren’t as strong as others. There is also the possibility of thickness disparities throughout the roofing installation. The lamination applied to the roofing can also increase weak spots within the roof’s design. The seams are also vulnerable if they aren’t monitored closely.
⑦ Spray-On Roofing Designs
Spray-on roofing designs are easy to install and won’t present any delays for the business. The spray-on technique decreases the time needed to complete the roofing. The installations are energy efficient and help property owners maintain lower-than-average costs. The roofing requires minimal maintenance requirements and can last up to 50 years. The roofing designs are also seamless and waterproof. If the roofing becomes worn, the roofers can add more of the spray-on materials to seal it.
The installations cannot be installed during the winter. There is also a possibility of overspray of the materials that could require the roofers to build up the roofing unevenly. Maintenance must be completed at least twice a year. If the repairs aren’t performed accurately, there could be more structural problems.
Commercial property owners evaluate several different choices for replacing their existing roofing. The main and pros and cons of each selection help the business owner determine what roofing provides the best level of protection. Reviewing their options helps the business owner get the right roof now.
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About the Author: Ashley Edwards
